Brand Names:

Flexeril

Medication prescribed:

Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used:

Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cyclobenzaprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Special precautions:

Before taking cyclobenzaprine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nondescription medications you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially medications for depression, seizures, allergies, coughs, or colds; MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine, call your doctor immediately.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

If I forget a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What side effects:

Although side effects from cyclobenzaprine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
dry mouth
dizziness
upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
severe skin rash
swelling of the face or tongue
difficulty breathing or swallowing
irregular heart rate
chest pain
fever
seizures

What storage conditions:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information:

Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.